The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander John Frederick Davidson (NSN: 0-62671), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BLACKFISH (SS-221), during the SIXTH and SEVENTH War Patrols of that Submarine against enemy Japanese forces in alien waters from 19 October 1943 to 13 February 1944. Undeterred by extremely severe hostile countermeasures and the presence of numerous anti-submarine vessels, Commander Davidson maintained constant contact with the enemy ships for extended periods of time and skillfully maneuvering his craft into advantageous striking position at every opportunity, pressed home a series of vigorous torpedo attacks which resulted in the sinking or damaging of an important amount of Japanese shipping. His inspiring leadership and resolute devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States NavyRank:
Captain [then Lieutenant Commander]Division:
U.S.S. Blackfish (SS-221)Action Date:
October 20, 1942 – July 14, 1943
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit with Combat “V” to Captain [then Lieutenant Commander] John Frederick Davidson (NSN: 0-62671), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commanding Officer of the U.S.S. BLACKFISH (SS-221), in action against the enemy off the coast of North Africa from 20 October 1942 to 14 July 1943. Directing his command with courage and skill, Captain Davidson conducted an important reconnaissance of a strange and poorly charged coast, acted as navigational beacon for orientation of United States amphibious forces involved in the landing operations, and torpedoed, probably sinking, a 5,000-ton enemy blockade runner. Under his capable leadership during subsequent war patrols, the BLACKFISH aided in maintaining a blockade of enemy shipping lanes and, on one occasion, attacked two enemy anti-submarine vessels, sinking one of them and successfully evading severe depth-charge attacks despite minor damage sustained. By his inspiring devotion to duty, Captain Davidson aided materially in the successful landings in North Africa, thereby upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (Captain Davidson is authorized to wear the Combat “V”.)